Vansdirect Backs Dalmatian Bike Ride In Support Of St David's Hospice Care
Vansdirect helped raise much needed funds for St David’s Hospice Care after supporting the Dalmatian Bike Ride, which saw 300 riders take on the challenge in and around Newport and Brecon.
The Newport-based van leasing and sales business - part of the UK’s fourth largest motor retailer Vertu Motors plc - sponsored a rider jersey and a feed station at the event, which started and finished at Caerleon Rugby Club.
Vansdirect also supplied a van, stationed on the route, to support cyclists and volunteers, providing supplies and practical assistance throughout the day.
The Dalmatian Bike Ride is a flagship fundraising event for St David’s Hospice Care, with each of the five routes symbolising the charity’s work across Newport and the surrounding area.
The annual event has now raised more than £400,000, with funds helping the hospice to continue delivering specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients and their families, with the charity relying heavily on voluntary income to meet its annual running costs.
St David’s Hospice Care provides free care and support to thousands of people each year through its inpatient unit, community teams and wellbeing services. Demand for hospice care continues to grow, with the charity requiring significant fundraising each year to maintain and develop its services.
Vansdirect Sales Manager Joe Donnison also took part in the ride, completing the 72.5km Brecon Canal route – where riders are taken to Brecon by bus before cycling to back Caerleon - in support of the hospice.
Joe Donnison said: “Taking part in the ride gives you a real sense of why events like this matter. It’s tough at times, but knowing that every mile helps St David’s Hospice Care continue its work for local families makes it worthwhile.
“Having the Vansdirect team visible on the route was about backing that effort in a practical way. Riding past my colleagues and hearing them cheer me on really helped me to keep going too!
“Though we supply vans across the entire country, we are based in Newport, and work here every day, so supporting causes that matter locally is important to us. This event was about being part of our community.”
Beth Harrington, Community & Event Manager at St David’s Hospice Care, said: “The Dalmatian Bike Ride is one of our most important fundraising events and the support from local businesses makes a huge difference.
“Having Vansdirect involved, both on the route and through their own staff taking part, helped create a really positive atmosphere for riders and volunteers.
“Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives, so we are incredibly grateful for the commitment shown.”
Vansdirect specialises in the sale and leasing of new vans to customers across the UK, working with both independent traders and large fleets. The business operates from its Newport office and has a growing focus on building long-term relationships within the communities it serves.
Samantha Ward, Managing Director of Vansdirect, said: “This was a fantastic example of how our team wants to engage with the local area. Supporting the Dalmatian Bike Ride allowed us to contribute in a way that was visible, hands-on and meaningful for a charity doing vital work close to home.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, said: “Businesses have an important role to play in the communities they serve. Seeing colleagues support events like the Dalmatian Bike Ride reflects the values we want across the group - getting involved locally and supporting organisations that make a real difference.”
